Author Sherman Alexie to attend library event

EVERETT — The Everett Public Library has selected Northwest author Sherman Alexie’s coming of age novel, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian,” as its 2012 Everett Reads! title.

The annual program gets people in the community to read and talk about a single book.

As part of the program, Alexie plans to make an appearance at a free event scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

“Absolutely True” was published in 2007 and has remained popular with young adults and adults ever since, said Everett Public Library’s assistant director Kate Mossman.

Set in the Spokane area and written from an American Indian point of view, it’s a coming of age story of a young man who struggles to remain connected to family and traditions while attending an all-white school off the reservation.

Told in Alexie’s funny and frank voice, an underlying theme reflecting the author’s love for the sport of basketball makes a lively, accessible and engaging read.

A New York Times book reviewer called Alexie’s novel “a gem of a book” and it was awarded the 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

Other events are planned, including a wood-carving session and speakers such as Kelly Moses from the Hibulb Cultural Center who will talk about the history of the Tulalip tribes.

Popular local flutist Peter Ali will give a performance, and a film will be screened every Sunday of the month — two of Alexie’s films, and two others.

The public may participate in book discussions throughout the month at the Evergreen branch and at the Everett’s Main Library.

The library has ordered additional copies of the audio book, and it is also available in downloadable audio from the library’s website, www.epls.org.

Books and event information is available in both Everett libraries and online at www.epls.org/everettreads.